When thinking of classic Hong Kong snacks, the egg tart often sits at the top of the list. It’s a great local pastry that one can’t simply pass off. There’s no shortage of guidebooks or word-of-mouth recommendations highlighting the deliciousness of this miniature pastry. For this month’s edition of chef’s recommendations, we ask chef Grégoire Michaud of Bakehouse for his top picks. He shares his favourite spots for the best egg tarts in Hong Kong.
Don’t let its palm-sized appearance fool you. A Hong Kong egg tart packs a punch. This beloved pastry traces its history to the 1940s. It is a revamped take on the English custard tart and the Portuguese pastel de nata. Today, it comes in many forms and can easily be found all over the city. Many cha chann teng continue to serve it but bakeries also offer their own unique take that still stay true to what makes the dish so loved in the first place.
One of those bakeries is Bakehouse. Since opening its doors in 2018, the European-style bakery has gained a cult following, its reputation reaching even beyond Hong Kong’s shores. At the helm of Bakehouse is veteran pastry chef Grégoire Michaud who cut his culinary teeth as early as 15 years old with an apprenticeship at a local bakery in his home country, Switzerland. His journey in Hong Kong started 30 years ago. It includes an eight-year tenure at Four Seasons before deciding to step up his expertise in artisanal production.
From there, Bakehouse Wholesale (previously known as Bread Elements) was born in 2013. Thanks to its success, chef Michaud decided to open his first neighbourhood shop, Bakehouse in 2018. Quickly, it amassed patrons both in Hong Kong and overseas, mostly for its sourdough egg tarts, among other treats. Six years in, it’s still normal to find a long queue outside Bakehouse locations. So, find out his recommendations for the best egg tarts in Hong Kong—tried and tested by an expert.
Chef Grégoire Michaud’s recommendations for the best egg tarts in Hong Kong
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Gold Garden Café (金園茶餐廳)
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The dish: Egg tart (酥皮蛋撻)
Chef Michaud’s first recommendation is none other than Gold Garden Café. It gained a reputation for its delicious puff pastry egg tarts. So, it’s not surprising to see a queue of eager foodies wanting a taste of the coveted egg tarts. It’s best if you come early so you can get them freshly baked.
“Their egg tarts have an old-school, more traditional flavour, which makes them more of a comfort food. The crust is more on the firm side with a subtle buttery taste, and the egg custard filling is rich and creamy with just the right sweetness.”
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Sun Wah Café (新華茶餐廳)
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The dish: Egg tart (酥皮蛋撻)
You know you’re in for a treat (chef Michaud certainly did) when a cha chaan teng also has its own in-house bakery. Sun Wah Cafe is just one of the many examples of that. This eatery offers authentic Hong Kong food ranging from eggs and ham over rice to beef brisket noodle soup. But the egg tarts are also popular, particularly because they are baked at their in-house bakery.
“I like the flaky, almost biscuit-like crust. It gives a nice contrast with their custard filling. The filling is on the lighter side, with a smooth, velvety texture and not too sweet.”
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Wah Lap Restaurant (華立茶餐廳)
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The dish: Egg tart (酥皮蛋撻)
There are many things to love about Wah Lap Restaurant. For one, it’s open 24 hours a day. This beloved cha chaan teng in Tai Po churns out baked goods, fresh from their in-house bakery. Dig into different kinds of Hong Kong-style bread and pastries, including the classic egg tart.
“The crumbly texture of the crust is something else. It creates a heartwarming flavour that to me, represents the essence of a traditional Hong Kong-style egg tart.”
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San Hing Bakery & Cakes (生興麵包西餅)
The dish: Egg tart (酥皮蛋撻)
San Hing Bakery & Cakes is a humble shop in Sham Shui Po. They offer Hong Kong-style bread and pastries including egg tart. It’s a local bakery loved by residents particularly because of the special offer they give on top of the close-knit community in the neighbourhood.
“These egg tarts have more of a delicate and airy pastry crust. I like the custard filling, it’s soft and light, which makes each bite feel indulgent.”
(Image credit: crazy cat/Openrice)
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Lai Ching Heen at The Regent Hong Kong
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The dish: Baked Egg Tartlettes with Gum Tragacanth
Lai Ching Heen is one of the most renowned Chinese restaurants for Cantonese cuisine. So, it’s not surprising that this is where chef Michaud first had and eventually, fell in love with egg tart more than two decades ago. The restaurant boasts numerous accolades on top of a celebrated legacy that spans four decades. Marvel at the stunning jade-themed design and refined Cantonese dishes on top of the stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
“This is where I had my first egg tart in Hong Kong over 25 years ago. These days, it’s since evolved into a more refined iteration that uses the traditional egg tart but topped with a Gum Tragacanth jelly that adds another textural dimension. Looking back on it now, I was so delighted to see the mini tart served in small paper cups as a dessert at dim sum. It makes me feel nostalgic whenever I think about it. I remember the delicate, light, flaky pastry crust, and the silky-smooth filling, melting in my mouth with every bite.”
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Bakehouse
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The dish: Sourdough Egg Tart
Chef Michaud’s last recommendation is his very own creation at Bakehouse. This European-style bakery boasts a loyal following both from residents and overseas visitors. Specialising in Western baked goods and sourdough bread, it’s easy to see why it’s so loved, especially since all the pastries and bread are handmade on-site daily–with extra love from chef Michaud.
“Ours is a modern twist on the classic, featuring an ultra-flaky sourdough crust that adds an extra crunch to each bite. The filling is a creamy, rich custard with a slightly caramelised top, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.”
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(Hero and feature image credit: Bakehouse)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best egg tarts in Hong Kong can be found in cha chaan tengs as well as local bakeries. Chinese restaurants also have their own rendition of egg tarts as well as Western-style bakeries like Bakehouse.
The cost of an egg tart depends on the shop. For local stores, it usually costs as low as HKD 2.5. Meanwhile, most expensive egg tarts can cost HKD 20-30.
The egg tarts at Bakehouse are special because of their ultra-flaky sourdough crust. It also has a creamy, rich custard with a slightly caramelised top for extra flavour.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Senior Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. After working in Tokyo, this Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is back to tell stories about her home(s). When she’s not writing, you can find her looking for the best hojicha spots, binge-watching her comfort movies, or travelling solo.
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